Rave Run: Harold Parker State Forest

Roughly 25 miles north of Boston, Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, Mass. has a 1,000-foot boardwalk that cuts through the Mary French Reservation.

THE EXPERIENCEHarold Parker State Forest, roughly 25 miles north of Boston, has a 1,000-foot boardwalk that cuts through the Mary French Reservation. The bouncy, wooden planks over the bog are so low, Melissa Donais says, "it almost feels like you're running on water." Storm-uprooted trees are a regular sight on the route.

HISTORY AND FACTSThe late Mary French, a nature lover and 38-year resident of Andover, Massachusetts, is the Mary French Reservation namesake. This piece of Andover conservation was dedicated to her on Nov. 18, 2001.

American Indians inhabited this area of Northeastern Massachusetts until English farmers settled there around 1650. It is believed that some homes surrounding the forest were used in the 1850s as Underground Railroad hideouts.

From late May through early September, camping is available at the Lorraine Park Campground, which is about two miles from the Harold Parker State Forest headquarters.

DIRECTIONSFrom Boston, take 93 North to exit 41. Follow 125 North for about four miles to the State Police Barracks (which are on the right). Turn right onto Harold Parker Road. Turn left onto Jenkins Road. Turn right onto Salem Road and drive for about a mile; the park headquarters will be on the left.